Additional Hassab's operation for esophagogastric varices in cirrhotic patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to clarify the role of the additional Hassab's operation to hepatectomy in cirrhotic patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinomas and esophagogastric varices.

METHODS

Subjects were 36 cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinomas and concomitant esophagogastric varices: 20 underwent hepatectomy alone (non-Hassab group) and 16 underwent hepatectomy with Hassab's operation (Hassab group).

RESULTS

Patients in the Hassab group had more advanced esophageal varices and the accompanied gastric varices, preoperatively (p<0.01). Both preoperative platelet counts (p<0.01) and prothrombin time (p<0.05) were significantly lower in the Hassab group, and serum albumin level also tended to be worse than those in the non-Hassab group. Portal pressure was significantly higher in the Hassab group (p<0.01). Despite these disadvantages, no significant differences were found in operative mortality, postoperative courses and long-term prognosis between the two groups. Comparing the cause of death, the incidence of the fatal variceal hemorrhage was significantly lower (0%) in the Hassab group than that (25%) in the non-Hassab group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggested that additional Hassab's operation to hepatectomy might have reduced the risk of variceal hemorrhage after hepatectomy.